College Football Week 1 Best Bets - Football Lines
The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most exciting opening weekends in recent memory. Week 1, beginning Saturday, August 30, is loaded with heavyweight matchups that could shape the playoff picture before Labor Day.
The headliner comes in Columbus as No. 1 Texas faces No. 3 Ohio State. It’s a rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl semifinal, with even higher stakes. Texas turns to Arch Manning in his first full season as starting quarterback, carrying sky-high expectations and early Heisman buzz. Across the field, defending national champion Ohio State looks to reload with a new quarterback, backed by a roster stacked with speed and experience. The winner instantly claims the inside track to a playoff spot.
College Football Betting Lines
Another marquee showdown features No. 9 LSU traveling to Death Valley to meet No. 4 Clemson. LSU enters with a revitalized offense, while Clemson boasts one of the nation’s top defenses. The clash of styles makes this one of the most intriguing games of the weekend. Meanwhile, No. 6 Notre Dame visits No. 10 Miami, reviving a classic rivalry with postseason implications.
Elsewhere, the debut of Bill Belichick as TCU’s head coach at North Carolina is sure to draw national attention. Wisconsin, hoping to make a push in the expanded playoff era, opens against Miami (OH) with breakout candidate Jake Renfro anchoring the offensive line. Arizona begins its season against Hawaii, while Boise State travels to South Florida in a tricky early test.
This season also marks the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, changing the stakes for opening week. A single early loss is no longer the end of championship dreams, which has emboldened programs to schedule bigger and bolder matchups. The result: a Week 1 slate packed with national title contenders squaring off right away.
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What to Watch:
- Quarterback battles: Arch Manning’s debut at Texas and Ohio State’s new starter will dominate headlines.
- Defense vs. offense: Clemson’s defense faces LSU’s firepower in a strength-on-strength showdown.
- New beginnings: Bill Belichick’s TCU era and Wisconsin’s push for Big Ten relevance.
- Playoff picture: With 12 spots up for grabs, early games can boost résumés rather than break seasons.
- From Columbus to Clemson to Coral Gables, Week 1 sets the tone for a season filled with new storylines, bold experiments, and playoff-shaping drama.
Let’s look at the Week 1 college football schedule and spotlight No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State, No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson and No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami.
College Football Week 1 Schedule
Thursday, August 28, 2025
5:30 p.m. | No. 25 Boise State at South Florida | ESPN
6 p.m. | Lafayette at Bowling Green | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Ohio at Rutgers | Big Ten Network
6 p.m. | Mercyhurst at Youngstown State | ESPN+
6 p.m. | McKendree at Indiana State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Delaware State at Delaware | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Jacksonville State at UCF | ESPN+
7 p.m. | East Carolina at NC State | ACC Network
7 p.m. | Wyoming at Akron | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Saint Francis (PA) at UL Monroe | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Dayton at Eastern Illinois | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Lindenwood at St. Thomas | MidcoSports+
7:30 p.m. | Elon at Duke | ESPN+/ACC Extra
7:30 p.m. | Central Arkansas at Missouri | SEC Network
7:30 p.m. | UT Martin at Oklahoma State | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | West Georgia at Samford | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Arkansas Baptist at Houston Christian | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Upper Iowa at Drake | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Buffalo at Minnesota | FS1
8 p.m. | Stephen F. Austin at Houston | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Alcorn State at Northwestern State | ESPN+
8:30 p.m. | Alabama State at UAB |ESPN+
9 p.m. | Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (in Kansas City, Mo.) | ESPN
9 p.m. | Miami (Ohio) at Wisconsin | Big Ten Network
10 p.m. | Stony Brook at San Diego State
Friday, August 29, 2025
6 p.m. | Tarleton State at Army | CBSSN
6 p.m. | Campbell at Rhode Island | FloFootball
7 p.m. | Kennesaw State at Wake Forest | ACC Network
7 p.m. | Appalachian State vs. Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte) | ESPNU
7 p.m. | Bethune-Cookman at FIU | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Western Michigan at Michigan State | FS1
7 p.m. | Monmouth at Colgate | ESPN+
7 p.m. | New Haven at Marist | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Wagner at Kansas | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Western Illinois at Illinois | Peacock
8 p.m. | Auburn at Baylor | FOX
8 p.m. | Georgia Tech at Colorado | ESPN
9:30 p.m. | UNLV at Sam Houston | CBS Sports Network
10:30 p.m. | Central Michigan at San Jose State | FS1
Saturday, August 30, 2025
12 p.m. | Syracuse vs. No. 24 Tennessee (in Atlanta) | ABC
12 p.m. | Mississippi State at Southern Miss | ESPN
12 p.m. | VMI at Navy | CBSSN
12 p.m. | No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State | FOX
The season’s marquee opener pits No. 1 Texas against No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus, a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl semifinal. The Buckeyes are a 2-point home favorite in NCAA football odds with a total of 47.
For Texas, all eyes are on Arch Manning, who enters his first full year as the starting quarterback. Manning has the arm talent and poise to push Texas into national title contention, but this will be his toughest test yet—a road trip against the defending champs.
Ohio State counters with a reloaded roster and one of the deepest receiving corps in the country. The Buckeyes are breaking in a new quarterback in Julian Sayin, but their offensive line and backfield stability should ease the transition. Defensively, Ohio State boasts speed and depth, ready to pressure Manning and limit explosive plays.
This game could be decided in the trenches. Texas brings a veteran offensive line, but Ohio State’s front seven is physical and relentless. Whichever team controls the line of scrimmage will likely dictate tempo and momentum.
With playoff implications already on the line, expect a heavyweight clash filled with swings of momentum, highlight plays, and a postseason atmosphere from the opening kickoff.
12 p.m. | Duquesne at Pitt | ACC Network
12 p.m. | Northwestern at Tulane | ESPNU
12 p.m. | Ball State at Purdue | Big Ten Network
12 p.m. | Merrimack at Kent State | ESPN+
12 p.m. | FAU at Maryland | Big Ten Network
12 p.m. | North Dakota State at The Citadel | ESPN+
12 p.m. | Richmond at Lehigh | ESPN+
12:45 p.m. | Toledo at Kentucky | SEC Network
1 p.m. | Georgetown at Davidson | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Fordham at Boston College | ESPN+/ACC Extra
2 p.m. | Robert Morris at West Virginia | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Central Connecticut State at UConn | WWAX/UConn+
2 p.m. | William & Mary at Furman | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Virginia-Lynchburg at Valparaiso | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Stonehill at Sacred Heart | ESPN+
2:30 p.m. | Old Dominion at No. 20 Indiana | FS1
2:30 p.m. | Cumberland at Tennessee Tech | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Eastern Kentucky at Louisville | ACC Network
3 p.m. | Chadron State at Northern Colorado | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Hampton at Jackson State | HBCU GO
3:30 p.m. | Bucknell at Air Force | CBSSN
3:30 p.m. | Marshall at No. 5 Georgia | ESPN
3:30 p.m. | Nevada at No. 2 Penn State | CBS/Paramount+
3:30 p.m. | Holy Cross at Northern Illinois | ESPN+
3:30 p.m. | South Dakota at No. 22 Iowa State | FOX
3:30 p.m. | Temple at UMass | ESPN+
3:30 p.m. | No. 8 Alabama at Florida State | ABC
4 p.m. | Maine at Liberty | ESPN+
4 p.m. | Montana State at No. 7 Oregon | Big Ten Network
4 p.m. | Howard vs. Florida A&M (at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.) | ESPNU
4:15 p.m. | Alabama A&M at Arkansas | SEC Network
4:30 p.m. | Chattanooga at Memphis | ESPN+
4:30 p.m. | North Carolina A&T at Tennessee State | ESPN+
5 p.m. | Southern at Mississippi Valley State | SWAC TV
5:30 p.m. | Murray State at East Tennessee State | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Illinois State at No. 18 Oklahoma | ESPN+/SECN+
6 p.m. | UAlbany at Iowa | FS1
6 p.m. | Weber State at James Madison | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Coastal Carolina at Virginia | ACC Network
6 p.m. | Gardner-Webb at Western Carolina | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Presbyterian at Mercer | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Allen at Morehead State | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Webber International at Stetson | ESPN+
6 p.m. | New Hampshire at North Carolina Central | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Charleston Southern at Vanderbilt | ESPN+/SECN+
7 p.m. | UTSA at No. 19 Texas A&M | ESPN
7 p.m. | Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | North Dakota at No. 17 Kansas State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Nicholls at Troy | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Morgan State at South Alabama | ESPN+
7 p.m. | LIU at No. 15 Florida | ESPN+/SECN+
7 p.m. | Austin Peay at Middle Tennessee | ESPN+
7 p.m. | North Alabama at Western Kentucky | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Sacramento State at South Dakota State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Louisiana Christian at McNeese | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Eastern Washington at UIW | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | Missouri State at USC | Big Ten Network
7:30 p.m. | UTEP at Utah State | CBSSN
7:30 p.m. | Arkansas-Pine Bluff at No. 23 Texas Tech | ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson | ABC
Saturday night brings a heavyweight showdown as No. 9 LSU visits No. 4 Clemson in Death Valley. It’s a clash of tradition, talent, and early-season playoff implications, making it one of the most anticipated openers of 2025. Clemson is listed as a 3.5-point college football betting favorite with a total of 57.5.
LSU turns to veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who steps into the spotlight with both experience and Heisman buzz. His command of the offense will be tested immediately against a Clemson defense stacked with NFL-caliber linemen like Peter Woods and T.J. Parker. Protecting Nussmeier is the Tigers’ rebuilt offensive line, which lost four starters from last year, raising the stakes in the trenches.
On the other side, Cade Klubnik leads Clemson into his senior season with lofty expectations. Surrounded by skill talent and playing behind a cohesive line, Klubnik is poised to control tempo and efficiency in front of a raucous home crowd. Clemson’s defensive identity remains the backbone of its program, and this game is a chance to show it can suffocate even the most dynamic SEC offenses.
For Brian Kelly, the pressure is clear. LSU has dropped five straight season openers, a trend that has cast doubt on the program’s ability to hit the ground running. Kelly has spent the offseason emphasizing consistency and focus, knowing a win in Death Valley would instantly reposition his team as a national contender. For Dabo Swinney, the challenge is to hold serve at home, maintain Clemson’s standard, and keep momentum rolling into the heart of their schedule.
The game may ultimately come down to line play—whether LSU’s protection can hold against Clemson’s relentless front seven, and whether Clemson’s offense can sustain drives against LSU’s improving defense. With two seasoned quarterbacks, physical fronts, and playoff implications on the line, fans can expect a tense, physical battle that could swing on a handful of big plays.
Death Valley will be rocking, and by the end of the night, we’ll know which Tigers have the inside track to the playoff race.
7:30 p.m. | New Mexico at No. 14 Michigan | NBC/Peacock
7:30 p.m. | Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana Tech | ESPN+
7:45 p.m. | Georgia State at No. 21 Ole Miss | SEC Network
8 p.m. | Portland State at BYU | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Lamar at North Texas | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Abilene Christian at Tulsa | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Eastern Michigan at Texas State | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Rice at Louisiana | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Langston at Grambling State | SWAC TV (in Shreveport, Louisiana)
8 p.m. | Prairie View A&M at Texas Southern | SWAC TV
8 p.m. | Sul Ross State at UTRGV | ESPN+
8:30p.m. | Idaho State at Southern Utah | ESPN+
9 p.m. | East Texas A&M at No. 16 SMU | ACC Network
9 p.m. | Bryant at New Mexico State | ESPN+
9:30 p.m. | Georgia Southern at Fresno State | FS1
10 p.m. | Northern Arizona at No. 11 Arizona State | ESPN+
10 p.m. | Idaho at Washington State | The CW Network
10 p.m. | UC Davis at Utah Tech | ESPN+
10:30 p.m. | Hawaii at Arizona | TNT/HBO Max
10:30 p.m. | Cal at Oregon State | ESPN
11 p.m. | Colorado State at Washington | Big Ten Network
11 p.m. | Utah at UCLA | FOX
Sunday, August 31, 2025
3 p.m. | Virginia Tech vs. No. 13 South Carolina (in Atlanta) | ESPN
7:30 p.m. | No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami (Fla.) | ABC
Sunday night in Coral Gables delivers another Top-10 clash as No. 6 Notre Dame visits No. 10 Miami. The historic rivalry gets a fresh chapter with playoff implications hanging over both programs. The Fighting Irish are a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 49.
Notre Dame turns to redshirt freshman C.J. Carr, who makes his debut as the Irish starting quarterback. It’s a bold move that signals confidence in his poise and talent. Carr won the job in camp and will rely on a strong supporting cast that includes running back Jeremiyah Love and receivers Jaden Greathouse and Malachi Fields. The Irish offense may experience growing pains, but their depth at the skill positions gives them room to balance Carr’s transition.
Miami enters with experience under center as Carson Beck, the transfer from Georgia, returns healthy and ready to lead. His presence provides stability for a Hurricanes offense that can keep defenses honest. On the other side of the ball, Miami boasts a physical front led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, both capable of disrupting Notre Dame’s protection schemes and testing Carr’s composure early.
The game sets up as a contrast in styles—Notre Dame banking on youthful talent breaking through quickly, while Miami leans on maturity and defensive muscle. The atmosphere in Hard Rock Stadium should be electric, and the outcome may hinge on whether Carr can settle in against relentless pressure or if Miami’s veteran core dictates the pace from start to finish.
With both teams ranked in the Top 10 and a 12-team playoff on the horizon, this is the type of opener that can launch momentum for a deep postseason run—or expose vulnerabilities before conference play begins.
Monday, September 1, 2025
8 p.m. | TCU at North Carolina | ESPN/ESPNU
2025-2026 College Football Schedule
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